The minimum number of semester credit hours required for the degree, exclusive of coursework or other study required to remove deficiencies, is 40. In addition to these basic degree requirements, students without previous work experience that supports attainment of careers and leadership roles in public and nonprofit organizations must complete an additional 6 semester credit hours of PAD 6963 Internship or PAD 6966 Internship; 46 credit hours are required for students without prior work experience.
Take your career to the next level with a Master of Public Administration (MPA) degree from UTSA. Students benefit from a range of community partnerships with local government and nonprofit agencies.
Our graduates help our community address some of its most pressing challenges: housing and food insecurity, health disparities, land use, transportation, the digital divide and others. You can also add a Graduate Certificate in Nonprofit Administration and Leadership to further enhance your degree.
And with flexible class options, you can make your degree work on your time. Prepare for leadership and enhance your career with an MPA from UTSA.
The Master of Public Administration (MPA) program is fully accredited by the National Association of Schools of Public Affairs and Administration (NASPAA).
Our Mission: The UTSA MPA program contributes to regional governance by educating skilled and responsible leaders and managers for the public and non-profit sectors. The program faculty, comprised of academics and practitioners, guide students to broaden their world views and develop their analytical and decision-making skills through teaching informed by community-relevant research and public sector experience. The MPA course of study enables a diverse body of pre-service and mid-career students who are passionate about public service to improve their organizations and communities. The program empowers students to fulfill their potential as ethical public servants who formulate and solve complex problems collaboratively. Possessing breadth of management and analytical knowledge, MPA graduates: are cognizant of the diversity of values, interests, and stakeholders; address public issues with effectiveness, professional skill and transparency; and, advocate and implement public policies for the advancement of justice, fairness, and democracy.
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Policy
View current MPA Graduation & Employment Data
“After I graduated with my BPAP, I decided to pursue my graduate education by attaining the Master of Public Administration. The undergraduate program helped me understand city management and urban development. The graduate program helped me understand policy and theory in a way I had never thought about in local government. It really set me up for success.”
– Brandon Dross ’16, ’18 MPA, City Manager, Herington, KS
MPA Program info
To qualify for admission, applicants must:
- satisfy University-wide graduate admission requirements including;
- earning a baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited college or university in the United States or have proof of equivalent training at a foreign institution.
- a minimum grade point average of at least 3.0 (on a 4.0 scale) from an awarded master’s or bachelor’s degree.
- completing at least 18 semester credit hours (12 of which must be at the upper-division level) or foreign institution equivalent coursework in the area or areas in which the graduate degree is sought or in related areas as determined by the Graduate Program Committee for the proposed major.
- submission of a UTSA graduate application and fee.
- complete (or have completed) an undergraduate course in U.S. government or politics (3 hours).
- submit a letter of intent.
- The 500 word letter of intent should state the applicant’s reasons for pursuing the M.P.A., how their educational and/or career experience has prepared them for the M.P.A. program, and how the degree will help the applicant achieve her or his goals.
- submit two letters of recommendation are required from persons familiar with the applicants academic and/or work abilities (normally, professors and/or work supervisors).
Scholarships: For competitive scholarships, please refer to the UTSA Scholarship HUB.
Graduate Research Assistantships: Funding is normally available for a limited number of Graduate Research Assistants (GRA). GRAs assist faculty members on their research projects.
GRA openings are generally announced near or at a semester’s start by email or within the classroom. Students interested in working as a GRA may email the following to the Department’s administrative staff: (1) a cover letter specifying your interest and background and, (2) a current resume.
Cost of Attendance
Fiscal Services Tuition & Fees